Combined asphalt and iron pavement



(No Model.)

W. SELLERS.

COMBINED ASPHALIAND IRON PAVEMENT. No. 250,456. Patented Dec. 6,1881.

the block.

UNITED STATES PATENT O FICE.

WILLIAM SELLERS, OF HAVERHILL, MASSACHUSETTS.

COMBINED ASPHALT AND IRON PAVEMENT.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 250,456, dated December 6, 1881.

Application filed July 16, 1881. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, WILLIAM SELLERs, of Haverhill, in the county of Essex and State of Massachusetts, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Combined Asphalt and Iron Pavements, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to an improvement in that class of street-pavements in which separate blocks are used, and which are generally composed of solid blocks of asphalt or other analogous material. The great objection to the use of such separate blocks is their liability to break and to chip off, thus rendering the surface uneven and necessitating frequent repairs.

It is the object of my invention to obviate these objectionable features; and the invention consists in constructing the blocks which compose the pavement with a partial frame of metal, preferably of cast-iron. This frame is provided with ribs extending diagonally across, and at each corner are circular ribs crossing the diagonal ribs. The frame, with the ribs, extends downward a short distance-say about two inches-and the spaces between the ribs are filled in with asphalt and gravel. Underneath this is a foundation composed of pitch and stones, of a large size, forming a layer of the thickness of about three inches, the two parts being united together to form one block or cake, as hereinafter set forth.

Referring to the accompanying drawings. Figure '1 is a top or plan view of the frame of Fig. 2 is a vertical section of the block, and Fig. 3 shows a number of the blocks laid as they appear on the surface.

A is a frame, made preferably of castiron one foot square and two inches deep and about one-quarter ofan inch thick. Extending diagonally across the frame A are two ribs, b b, and at each corner are curved ribs 0 c c o, allot the same depth with the outer sides of the frame. The spaces between the ribs are to befilled with a composition of asphalt and gravel for the surface of the pavement. Underneath the asphalt and gravel in the frame is a foundation three inches in depth composed of pitch and stones 6, of a large size, the object of which is to ballast the blocks, as well as to lessen the expense of the manufacture of the same.

In preparing the blocks the metal frame is placed at the bottom of an open wooden frame or mold five inches in depth. Asphalt and gravel are then poured into the mold, filling up the metallic frame, being two inches deep. The space left is then filled in with pitch and stones of a large s ze, making the thickness of theblockfiveinches. Whenthecornpositionbecomes sufficiently hardened the wooden frame or mold is removed and the block is ready for use, the portion with the frame and asphalt and gravel being designed for the surface of the pavement, the two portions being completely united to form a single block.

By means of my invention the edges of the surface and upper part of the blocks are pre- .vente.l from chipping, both while in the act of handling and transportation and when laid in the street. The combination of the frame and ribs with the asphalt also gives a firm foothold for horses.

A filling of gravel or coarse -sand may be placed between the blocks, if desired. When laid the blocks have. the appearance shown in Fig. 3, the outer sides of the frame forming diagonal'lines on the street and the curved lines forming complete circles.

The size and proportions of the block, and also of the frame, may be changed from the above described, if found desirable.

What I claim as my invention is- A pavement consisting of a series of blocks, each block composed of a frame, A, provided with intermediate ribs, 1) c, in combination with the asphalt and gravel filling d, and the foundation c, composed of pitch and stones, all'snbstantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the'presence of two subscribing witnesses.

WILLIAM SELLERS.

Witnesses:

J os. H. ADAMS, B. OHARA. 

